Riverside - New board chairman lays down the law

20 May 2010

A Liverpool barrister has been appointed as the new chairman of the board of housing association Riverside.

Paul Brant, who has been the vice chair for the last five years, has taken over from Professor John Tarn after he stepped down after 12 years.

Riverside Chief Executive Deborah Shackleton said: “Professor Tarn has seen Riverside through some very successful albeit challenging, times; through stock transfers, amalgamations and more recently, one of the toughest recessions we have faced in recent years. His leadership and guidance have been invaluable to the progress of Riverside and we wish him well for the future.

“I am delighted to welcome Paul Brant to the role. I have no doubt that his commitment and passion for the sector mean he is more than up to the challenge.”

Paul has worked his way up the ranks since joining Riverside in 1996 as a volunteer member of the Liverpool Divisional Board of Merseyside Improved Houses, which later changed its name to Riverside Housing Association.

In his new post he will also take the chair of a number of Riverside committees including Riverside Housing Association Charitable Trust.

As well as extensive experience in the law, including being selected as a Times Lawyer of the Week, Paul also has considerable experience in other public bodies including Liverpool Tate Council.

He was elected as a Councillor on Liverpool City Council from 1995 and this month he became Deputy Leader of Liverpool City Council. Previously, he was a Member of Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority; Opposition Spokesperson on the Environment at Liverpool City Council; a Board Member of Ropewalks; and a Director of Liverpool Groundwork Trust.